Christina Grimmie: ‘Unclear’ why gunman killed singer

The 22-year-old was shot while signing autographs after a concert in the city on Friday night, and died in hospital.

Orlando police chief John Mina said the gunman, 26-year-old Kevin James Loibl, came from the city of St Petersburg in Florida to confront her.

Mr Mina said Loibl did not seem to know her personally but speculated that he may have been a deranged fan.

After a struggle with the singer’s brother, Loibl shot himself dead. Ms Grimmie first came to prominence as a teenager for her renditions of hit songs.

Police say she was shot about 22:45 local time on Friday (02:45 GMT Saturday) at The Plaza Live in Orlando.
Mr Mina said: “She was doing a meet-and-greet, just signing autographs and selling merchandise.

“This white male approached her and opened fire, striking her.”

The police chief praised Christina’s brother Marcus for his “very heroic” actions in tackling Loibl, who he said was carrying two handguns and a hunting knife.

“It definitely could have prevented further loss of life,” Mr Mina said.